Chamomile tea, derived from the flowers of the Matricaria recutita plant, has a long history as a traditional remedy, primarily valued for its calming and sedative effects. The warm, floral infusion is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas globally, often sought out for promoting relaxation and aiding sleep. Questions have arisen regarding its potential influence on the body’s endocrine system. This analysis explores the scientific evidence addressing whether regular consumption of chamomile tea can affect circulating testosterone levels.
Key Bioactive Compounds in Chamomile
The biological activities of chamomile are largely attributed to a complex mixture of chemical compounds, with flavonoids being the most relevant to hormonal discussions. The most abundant and studied flavonoid is apigenin, present in the tea primarily as apigenin-7-O-glucoside, a form with better absorption. These compounds are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Another flavonoid of interest is chrysin, which has also been investigated for its hormonal interactions. Chamomile also contains essential oils, such as bisabolol, which contribute to its overall therapeutic profile and form the basis for its hypothesized actions on sex hormones.
Analyzing the Scientific Evidence
The direct scientific evidence on chamomile tea’s effect on testosterone in the general, healthy population is limited, relying mostly on animal models or studies focused on specific conditions. A human clinical trial involving women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in testosterone levels. Participants consumed concentrated chamomile extract capsules for twelve weeks. This suggests that in hyperandrogenic states, where testosterone levels are elevated, concentrated chamomile compounds may help modulate hormone balance.
However, for individuals with normal hormone levels, the effect is less clear, and results from animal studies are mixed. Some research in male rats indicated that the effect is dose-dependent, with low doses potentially reducing levels, while higher doses appeared to increase them. Other preclinical models focusing on isolated apigenin have suggested a potential to increase testosterone production by supporting Leydig cell function in the testes. This conflict highlights the difference between consuming a whole-herb tea and using a highly concentrated, isolated extract. The consensus is that the concentration of active compounds in a typical cup of chamomile tea is too low to induce a measurable change in testosterone for a healthy person.
Potential Endocrine System Interactions
The theoretical link between chamomile’s components and testosterone regulation centers on two primary mechanisms involving specific enzymes. Flavonoids like apigenin and chrysin interact with the aromatase enzyme, which converts androgens, such as testosterone, into estrogens. In laboratory settings, these compounds act as aromatase inhibitors, which would theoretically lead to an increase in testosterone by slowing this conversion. However, the real-world impact is moderated by poor bioavailability.
While chrysin is a potent aromatase inhibitor in the lab, human studies using chrysin showed no change in testosterone, likely due to its rapid breakdown and elimination. Apigenin also inhibits 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), an enzyme involved in the final stages of testosterone synthesis, further complicating the net effect. Chamomile has a phytoestrogenic or anti-estrogenic profile, meaning it contains plant compounds that can weakly bind to estrogen receptors. This complex interaction suggests the herb’s compounds could influence the entire hormonal axis, but the final measurable outcome in a person drinking standard tea is negligible. The beneficial effect seen in some studies may be due to a general stabilization of the hormonal environment, rather than a direct suppression of testosterone synthesis.
Practical Consumption and Safety Profile
Chamomile tea is considered safe when consumed in typical beverage amounts. The concentrations of bioactive compounds in a standard cup of tea are significantly lower than the pharmaceutical-grade extracts used in clinical trials. Therefore, consuming one or two cups daily is unlikely to have a noticeable impact on the hormonal balance of a healthy individual.
However, there are important safety considerations, particularly concerning potential drug interactions. Chamomile contains compounds that can increase the effect of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, and may also enhance the effects of sedatives or alcohol. Individuals taking prescription drugs should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating large amounts of chamomile. The herb is not recommended for people with a known allergy to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, marigolds, or chrysanthemums), due to the risk of an allergic reaction. Furthermore, due to its mild estrogenic properties, it may interfere with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.